while senate minority leader mitch mcconnell struck an optimistic tone, senate majority leader harry reid sounded cautious, warning americans whatever they come up with by sunday won't be perfect. after the meeting, president obama made it clear failure is not an option. >> if we don't see an agreement between the two leaders and the senate, i expect a beam to -- bill to go on the floor, and i have asked senator reid to do this, put a bill on the floor that taxes on the middle class families don't go up, that unemployment insurance is available for 2 million people, and that lays the groundwork then for additional deficit reduction and economic growth steps we can take in the new year. >> reporter: if the congressional leaders don't reach a deal by december 31st, the financial markets could one is a bit and, consider this. the current congress is only in session until noon on january third. after that, 13 new senators and 82 new house members would take over and try to solve the problem and that is an overwhelming task out of the gate. back to you. >> thank you for. that. >>> we want